Definition

1. Noun:
   • A group of silicate minerals: "pyroxene" refers to any of a group of important rock-forming silicate minerals, typically containing calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, or aluminum. They are common constituents of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Augite and diopside are common types of pyroxene.
  • The basalt contains large crystals of black pyroxene.
  • Under the microscope, the pyroxene exhibited its characteristic cleavage.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Classification: In mineralogy, the pyroxene group is subdivided into the orthopyroxenes (orthorhombic crystal system) and the clinopyroxenes (monoclinic crystal system).
  • The orthopyroxene enstatite is common in mantle rocks.

Variants and Related Words

• Pyroxenite (n): An igneous rock composed almost entirely of pyroxene minerals.
  • The geologist collected a sample of pyroxenite from the outcrop.

Synonyms

• Silicate mineral (general class): A mineral containing silicon and oxygen, which is the broader category for pyroxene.
• Ferromagnesian mineral (specific context): A mineral rich in iron and magnesium, a description that applies to many pyroxenes.

Related Phrases (Scientific Context)

• Pyroxene group: The collective term for all minerals classified as pyroxenes.
  • The pyroxene group includes minerals with a wide range of compositions.
• Pyroxene hornfels: A type of metamorphic rock where pyroxene is a key mineral.
  • The contact metamorphism produced a pyroxene hornfels.

Noun

1. any of a group of crystalline silicate mineral common in igneous and metamorphic rocks